The Pistons have a glaring need ahead of NBA trade deadline — here’s how they can address it

The Detroit Pistons continued their impressive run Tuesday night, securing a hard-fought 109-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets. The win came despite a late rally from Denver, sealed when Nuggets guard Jamal Murray missed three crucial free throws in the closing moments of the game.

A Winning Streak Tempered by a Shooting Struggle

This victory marks the ninth win in the last 11 games for Detroit, extending their lead atop the Eastern Conference to 5 ½ games over the Boston Celtics. However, the contest also highlighted a persistent issue for the Pistons: inconsistent 3-point shooting.

Detroit shot a dismal 6 of 31 from beyond the arc (19.4%), including an 0-for-5 performance in the fourth quarter. This isn’t an isolated incident; over the past two-plus weeks, the Pistons have shot under 30% from 3-point range in four games. Recent struggles include shooting 5 of 26 against the Atlanta Hawks on December 1st and 6 of 33 against the Dallas Mavericks on December 18th.

Across 697 games played this season, only 27 teams have taken at least 25 three-pointers while shooting below 20%. Remarkably, the Pistons are responsible for three of those outings – more than any other team in the league.

Statistical Concerns Despite Success

For the season, the Pistons rank 27th in 3-point attempts per game (31.9), 20th in 3-point percentage (35%), and 28th in the percentage of points scored from 3-point range (28.6%). Currently, no regular rotation player on the team shoots better than 40% from three-point range. Duncan Robinson (39.4%), Cade Cunningham (32.6%), and Tobias Harris (33.9%) are the only players attempting four or more three-pointers per game.

Despite these shooting woes, the Pistons are only 2 ½ games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the second-best record in the league. They currently hold the 11th-ranked offense (116.1 offensive rating) and have the fourth-best title odds (+1400, per Caesars).

Can Shooting Deficiencies Derail Championship Aspirations?

Historical data suggests a strong 3-point game is often crucial for championship contenders. A review of the last 10 NBA champions reveals that six finished in the top 10 in both 3-point attempts per game and 3-point percentage, while nine finished in the top eight in 3-point percentage.

The 2020 Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, represent a notable exception, winning a championship while ranking in the bottom third of the league in both 3-point attempts and percentage. However, they remain an outlier.

Navigating the Trade Deadline

With the February 5th trade deadline approaching, the Pistons face a critical decision. After prioritizing development with a young core, the team has exceeded expectations. The front office must now decide whether to maintain the current roster, make marginal improvements, or pursue a more significant trade to bolster their championship chances.

The Pistons possess considerable trade assets, including all their future first-round picks, 14 future second-round picks, and a $14.1 million trade exception, along with players like Tobias Harris and a promising young core. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has indicated a cautious approach, emphasizing “smart decisions” and avoiding hasty moves for superstars.

However, addressing the 3-point shooting deficiency appears crucial. Potential targets include Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets, Coby White of the Chicago Bulls, Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Luke Kennard of the Atlanta Hawks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pistons’ current 3-point shooting percentage?

The Pistons are currently shooting 35% from 3-point range, ranking 20th in the league.

How many games have the Pistons played where they shot below 20% from three-point range while attempting at least 25 shots?

The Pistons have had three such games this season, more than any other team in the league.

What is the significance of the upcoming trade deadline for the Pistons?

The trade deadline presents an opportunity for the Pistons to address their 3-point shooting weakness and potentially add a player who could elevate their championship aspirations.

Given their current position and available assets, will the Pistons prioritize short-term gains through a significant trade, or continue to build for the future with their existing roster?